#PracticeWithClara Podcast

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast, where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice. We sat down to discuss Shadow School—the theme for October's 30-Day Virtual Yoga Challenge in this week's episode. With seven themes to anchor in the wild and intense emotions of the shadow, Clara and Stephanie shared their perspective of the shadow self and why exploring the darker aspects of the self is so important.  Themes of Shadow School:  Fear, Guilt, Grief, Shame, Duplicity, Illusion, Attachment. See the Shadow School Yoga Playlist More on this episode: A definition of the shadow Archetypes and why they are important A brief description of Addiction to Perfection by Marion Woodman The individual and global experience of the shadow Contrast between the darkness and the light  Resources mentioned: Addiction to perfection: The still unravished bride: a psychological study by Marion Woodman.  More on Shadow School: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.” — Carl Jung. Shadow School is your summons to acknowledge your wild side, surface intense emotions, and expunge the parts of yourself you no longer need. You are ready to face the core beliefs, motivations, desires, and aspirations that bring darkness and lightness into your life. We must eat our own shadow—haul it up from out of the pit and develop a conscious connection with it. Doing so not only prevents our unacknowledged darkness from haunting our thoughts and distorting our relationships; it also liberates tremendous psychic energy.  — Excerpt from Rob Brezsny’s Shadow School. Ways to stay connected: Join the conversation in our community Facebook Group. Watch the full episode. Visit Clara Roberts Oss Website. Music by Pete Wonder.

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice. In this episode, we went into the travel series and discussed our travel hacks, with the top 5 things we always carry with us, the poses to do after a long day of travel, and the benefit of travel in shifting perspective. Here's more on what we talk about in this episode: 0:52 - Travel and Perspective Adapting to our current landscape/lack of travel, and how we might shake up our routine. 4:00 - Shifting the Assemblage Point Exercises to shift perspective and connect to our centre, through activities other than travel including yoga, meditation, and visualization. 10:45 - Top 5 Travel Hacks What to pack and how to pack; Clara and Stephanie share their 5 essential travel hacks. 16:19 - Poses Post Travel The yoga poses to do post-travel to ground, groove, and get the body moving after long periods of sitting. 20:06 - Travel Plans: Routine or Ride the Wave? Choosing ritual or routine to ground when someplace new, or creating new habits and structures in a new environment. You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/travel-series-hacks-yoga-poses-and-perspective Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/travel-series/ Join the conversation on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #travel #yogaposes

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice. In this episode, we interviewed Erin Moon, a fellow yogi, anatomy teacher, and reiki practitioner. We also went into the 7th chakra, the crown chakra, and its themes. Here's more on what we talk about in this episode: 0:56 - Special Guest, Erin Moon For the 7th chakra we interviewed Erin Moon, an instructor of anatomy, yoga, therapeutics, reiki, and the co-founder and director of the World Spine Care Yoga Project. 2:40 - 5 Questions to Greet our Guest We asked Erin 5 random questions to give our listeners a bit more understanding of who Erin is and what she embodies. 10:04 - Sahasrara, Crown Chakra, Themes Reading from Anodea Judith's Wheels of Life, and discussion on the key themes of the 7th chakra, the crown chakra. 16:58 - Where Individual Meets Collective Consciousness The crown chakra is the space where the individual self meets the collective consciousness or the divine. 20:47 - Surrender and Trust at the 7th Chakra Why we surrender to receive the wisdom and why trust is so important when we work with the 7th chakra. 22:28 - Anatomy of the 7th Chakra Erin shares the anatomy and subtle properties of the crown chakra, and what occurs biochemically in the body. 26:18 - How We Belong, Joining the Collective Examining how we interact as a collective, physically, or consciously, while honoring our own unique expression. 33:15 - Removing the Binary: Patience in Process Why we should take a moment to examine our lives outside the traditional binary forms and having patience for our ongoing process. 35:44 - Yoga Anatomy versus Yoga Philosophy What we learn in the physical breakdown in our bodies; balancing the esoteric aspects of yoga with the anatomical to preserve the alignment and safety of our practice. 42:11 - Dropping into the Parasympathetic Nervous System The benefit of a slower-paced, restorative practice in reaping the benefits of the body dropping into rest and a digest mode. 44:20 - The Constant Force of Evolution Moving with the constant change of the world, and how to hold things lightly as we move towards our goals. 45:43 - Yoga Therapeutics: What is Your Function? Asking what we hope to do, on a larger scale, and the function we wish to have in our lives. 52:30 - Pronoia versus Paranoia Elevating our conscious awareness in how we place positive energy in the world and have faith in the support of the universe. You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/crown-chakra-featuring-erin-moon Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/7th-chakra-sahasrara/ Join the conversation on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #crownchakra #intuition

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice. In this episode, we discuss the 6th chakra - Ajna or the third-eye chakra, and its themes including blockages and imbalances. We also share our stories of when we feel connected to our inner wisdom and discuss one of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Here's more on what we talk about in this episode: 0:54 - Qualities of the Third-Eye Chakra, Ajna Introducing the 6th chakra at the third eye center, and its themes. 5:41 - Seeing Yourself in the Bigger Picture How we might approach situations to examine our place in the world and who we are. 10:26 - Connecting to Wisdom Through Quiet Silence and stillness are great teachers, why we might sit in how we feel to meet the teacher within. 12:42 - Choosing Truth Over Ignorance The choices we make that lead us toward a deeper truth or keep us sheltered in ignorance. 19:10 - Meet Your Fears, Conquer the Chaos In order to shift, we must face our fears and step into the chaos and how the practice serves as a tool to help us ground and grow. 22:28 - Stepping Out of the Madness How to create calm and connect to our inner wisdom in the center of the storm, what are ways we can do this in the heat of the moment? 23:35 - Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Ego Exploring Sutra 11.6 in the Yoga Sutras, a text for modern-day yogis as a guiding philosophy for meditation to connect to the higher self. 27:05 - Intuition versus Ego: How We Identify The strive for balance in our inner wisdom and intuition (6th chakra themes) with the safeguard of the ego (1st chakra fear-based). 29:50 - Trust Your Gut When to put down the theory and analyzation of an event, and trust your gut and what you already know. 31:51 - Listen and Doubt: Why We Need Both Listening to inner wisdom usually leads us to the answers, but along the way, there's a need to doubt and ask questions to validate our instincts. 34:55 - Connecting to the 6th Chakra Get quiet, get still, and simplify your actions to connect to your inner wisdom and truths. You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/ajna-chakra-truth-vs-ignorance Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-chakra-series-6th-chakra-ajna-themes-and-practices/ Join the conversation on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #thirdeye

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice.  In this episode, we sit with Shiv Derek Oss for a discussion of the fifth chakra, Vishuddha. We go into some of the themes and the imbalances/blockages, including how to discover your song and your story, and the sacred power of mythology. Here's more on what we talk about in this episode: 0:53 - Introducing Vishuddha Chakra Reading from Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, to introduce the main themes of the 5th chakra. 2:10 - Cycles of Aum in Hindu Philosophy The 4 parts contained in the Aum and how this relates to our evolution and the cycles of life and the transformation we experience. 5:56 - The Myths that Make Us Who We Are An exploration of the stories that make us who we are: Stephanie asks Clara and Shiv what they're currently reading to explore how the stories we read create our realities. 13:25 - Making The Beast Beautiful Examining anxiety in how we move through it and work with it through the lens of the novel by Sarah Wilson, First, We Make the Beast Beautiful. 19:01 - The Power of Mythology Storytelling gives us the idea that we are never alone as we read about the events of others that may have gone through what we've experienced. 20:00 - Centering Through Sound How we connect to our sound and why its relevant; tracing our oral tradition and its roots, back to bird song. 23:46 - Sounds We Might Connect To Some of the unique sounds that make up our landscape and the powerful effect that resides in the mind and body as a result. What are you favorite sounds? 27:40 - The Magic Carpet of Storytelling How we prefer to be in story, through film, literature, or other forms of media. 36:11 - The Vitality of Self-Expression Exploring the theme of self-expression with the 5th chakra in feeling complete, blocked, or imbalanced in how we express ourselves. 42:30 - How Do You Express Your Truth? Leaving our listeners with a question of how you express your truth, authenticity, and your sound? What are the sounds that make your heart sing? You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/vishuddha-chakra-self-exploration-inner-truth Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-chakra-series-5th-chakra-vishuddha-themes-and-practices/ Join the conversation on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice. In this episode, we talked about the chakras; what they are and why they're essential. We went into the 4th chakra, Anahata, and its themes and imbalances. We also answered your questions related to the business of yoga. Here's more on what we talk about in this episode: 0:53 - What Are Chakras? Why do we care about the chakras, as yogis? A brief description of the chakras and their themes, and why they're relevant to the discussion. 7:00 - Anahata by Anodea Judith Reading from Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, which is our text for the Chakra Series, to explore Anahata, the 4th chakra. 9:03 - Anahata Themes & Devotion Love, compassion, forgiveness, healing, relationships, grief, sadness; exploring the themes of Anahata chakra, and a yoga class for devotion and/or surrender. 12:26 - What Does Devotional Practice Feel Like? How Clara creates a devotional practice and surrender as a theme around Anahata chakra, and what it feels like doing such an asana practice. 15:06 - Blockages of the Heart Chakra: What Are They? The body never lies; what is released or arises during asana practice for heart chakra imbalances is usually related to sadness and tightness in the chest. 17:19 - Healing Through the Heart The path to healing is through the heart and how you relate to the people around you, those you love, and your relationship with yourself. 18:12 - Anahata: The Unstruck Sound What is the unstuck? And how does this relate to our heart? 18:47 - Dealing with Heart Chakra Blockages Clara shares how she's dealt with heart chakra blockages, what came up in terms of anger and anxiety, and how she felt her pain to move through it. 24:47 - How Blockages Affect The Chakras What happens when we have unresolved issues or imbalances in the chakras and how this affects the other chakras in terms of energy. 29:07 - Getting Paid for Doing What You Love How we balance doing what we love (teaching yoga) with getting paid accordingly, and the practice of knowing you intentions and setting boundaries. 36:27 - Yoga and Cultural Appropriation Exploring how we integrate different religions, philosophies, and traditions into the yoga practice, and how we avoid appropriating a culture that is not ours. 41:51 - Managing Art, Community & Business How do you create space for what you love and continue to build your brand on what you love, while balancing the business demands and the requests of the community? You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/anahata-chakra-understanding-the-body-and-yoga Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-chakra-series-4th-chakra-anahata-themes-and-practices/ Join the conversation on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice. In this episode, we sat with Shiv Derek Oss for a discussion of the third chakra. We went into some of the themes including force versus assertion, connecting to your gift, and sitting in your discomfort. Here's more on what we talk about in this episode: 1:00 - Introduction to Manipura Chakra Reading from our book to anchor the chakra series,  Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith. 2:45 - The Qualities of Fire in Relationship to Manipura The third chakra is expressed through the element of fire, which works with passion, purpose, and power. 4:10 - How We Connect to Our Inner Power The esoteric elements of inner power, the deep undercurrent, and how we work from this space. 6:24 - Why We Need Play in Our Lives When we force things to be a certain way, they become concretized. Why we need balance and spontaneity in our lives and the sense of play. 11:48 - Balancing Surrender and Discipline Knowing when to surrender to the moment and open to spontaneity, and when to stick to your discipline and the duty of what it is you need to do. 18:03 - Pranayama to Stimulate Fire and Momentum Clara outlines a few of the pranayama to stimulate fire and break the lethargy if you're feeling static, stuck, or heavy. 23:43 - Advice for Entrepreneurs and Artists Clara and Shiv offer their advice to entrepreneurs and artists to break through the discomfort and persevere in following their dreams. 36:44 - Discovering Your Gift How to discover and feed your gift, how to feed your soul to transform and go against the norm. You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/manipura-chakra-working-with-purpose Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-chakra-series-3rd-chakra-manipura-themes-and-practices/ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Join the conversation on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice. In this episode, we discuss the second chakra, go into the themes prenatal and postnatal yoga, and tantric philosophy. Here's more on what we talk about in this episode: 1:06 - Second Chakra, Svadhisthana, Themes Quote by Anodea Judith, taken from Wheels of Life, as we expand on the themes of the sacral chakra, Svadhisthana. 4:07 - Going with the Flow What comes up when we work with water, a central theme of Svadhisthana, and the movements to perform to embody the fluidity, flow, and change. 7:18 - What is Prana Flow Yoga? The definition of Prana Flow yoga, how it's performed, what it achieves, and a little bit about Clara's teacher, Shiva Rea. 10:12 - Relationships and Boundary Setting How to be in relationship with others and set boundaries as we explore the edges of our comfort zone. 15:43 - Prenatal Yoga: Controversial Poses to Avoid The poses to avoid in yoga if you're pregnant, and why, including twists and backbends. 28:27 - Post-Natal Yoga for Strengthening The areas of the body to strengthen and lengthen post-pregnancy, and how these postures assist those who sit in an office all day. 31:49 - Duty Versus Pleasure Feeding our soul by doing what brings us pleasure while observing moderation, and identifying the split between body and mind. 39:51 - Celebrating the Body through Tantra Tantric philosophy celebrates the body, the divine within, and embraces all things- there is no separation- and why this is expressed in Clara's practice. 43:19 - What is Tantra? Reading from Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith on what the word tantra means when broken down in Sanskrit. You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/sacral-chakra Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-chakra-series-2nd-chakra-svadhisthana-themes-and-practices/ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Join the conversation on our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things related to the practice.  In this episode, we discuss the root chakra, lower back pain and poses to avoid, mythology with the story of shiva and Parvati, and how to use ritual to center. Here's more on what we'll be talking about in this episode: 0:58 - Root Chakra Themes Exploring Muladhara, the root chakra, and some of its themes, starting with a quote from Anodea Judith's, Wheels of LIfe. 3:00 - Root Chakra in Your Yoga Practice Building strength in the legs and staying low to the ground are examples of a root chakra themed yoga class. 4:17 - Balance in Yoga Class Themes Why we counter the heat and fire of the summer with a root chakra themed yoga class. 5:17 - What a Root Chakra Class Might Include The elements of a root chakra themed class that you may include in a class, with specific poses that connect to the earth element. 7:10 - Yoga for SI Instability How to tell if you have SI instability, poses to avoid if you have sciatica, and poses to relieve SI pain with hip opening and gluteal strengthening. 21:11 - Yoga and Space for Inquiry How our body provides physical indicators through pain or tension, that points at a deeper emotional issue or conflict that we need to look at. 27:19 - The Mythology of Shiva and Parvati The story of Shiva, the destroyer, and Parvati, Shiva's consort and the Goddess who represents the Earth. 39:10 - Rituals to Ground in Unfamiliar Places Clara shares methods and pranayamas to ground and create calm if you're traveling or in an unfamiliar place. You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/root-chakra Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-chakra-series-1st-chakra-muladhara-themes-and-practices/ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) Join the conversation on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast

Welcome to the #PracticWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss philosophy, yoga, and all things yoga-related. This week our theme was the Warrior and we read the Bhagavad Gita. We discussed three of the major themes from the Gita including action for action's sake, devotion, and fate. 4:07 - Synopsis of The Bhagavad Gita One of India's epic narratives, a conversation between Arjuna and Krishna on how to deal with intense moral decisions. 7:22 - Backstory to the Battlefield What led Arjuna to the battlefield and how he wound up with Krishna (God) as his advisor. 15:03 - The Dualistic Nature of Humanity How The Gita captures the light and dark of what it means to be human and all of our flaws. 15:58 - Why Read a Book About War? As yogis, we practice ahimsa (non-violence) so why would we study a book about violence? 20:18 - Acton for Action's Sake Why we should act for action's sake and not strive for a desired result, and do what we need to because its what needs to get done. 21:48 - The Warrior We Call Upon Clara shares how we call upon the warrior when we need courage, or to discover our truth and speak our truth. 28:27 - I Am Death, Shatterer of Worlds Reading and discussion of an excerpt from The Gita, 11:32 34:40 - Acting for the Greater Good The importance of coming together as a collective through examples of The GIta and voting in the Americas. 37:33 - What is Fate? Examining the idea of fate in how energies come together as we interact with the world. 41:25 - Who Creates Change? A story about children on a playground and the rhythm of energy created, and asking: who is creating the rhythm? 43:30 - The Indigo Children Who are the indigo children, why are they important, and some examples of where and how they live today. 47:17 - The Great Revelation Reading from The Gita, where Krishna reveals Arjuna his cosmic form and discussion of devotion being a devoted student to the practice. 53:00 - The Power of Bhakti, Devotion Why we act from a pure place in the heart, as an offering to something outside of yourself, to let go of ego and melt into the Divine. You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/BHAGAVAD-GITA-lessons Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) join the conversation on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/lessons-from-the-bhagavad-gita-action-devotion-fate/ #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast

Healing Through Boundaries Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara podcast where Clara and Stephanie discuss yoga, philosophy, and all things related to the practice. This week’s theme was on Giving and Receiving, where we shared a meditation practice for compassion, tools on how to create boundaries, and how to shift energy and emotions. Here's more on what we discuss in this episode: 0:42 Why We Balance Rigidity with Fluidity Excerpt from Dark Nights of the Soul by Thomas Moore and how rigidity may serve as a container as you create your own way. 4:37 How Hard Do You Push? Weeks into the 30-Opportunities Yoga Challenge, how do you stay within the discipline of the practice while honoring where you are physically and mentally, to avoid pushing too hard? 7:35 Breaking Away from Societal Norms The need to break away from societal norms to examine what fosters inner satisfaction, and fuels personal values and desires. 12:35 A Meditation for Compassion Pema Chodron’s Tong Len, a meditation for compassion, how to do it, when to use it, and how it serves. 18:48 Tactics to Purge Energy That Is Not Yours How to clear and cleanse the energy that isn’t yours that you may pick up as an empath. 24:05 Reiki and How it Works Using Reiki, a healing modality to shift energy, to clear an experience. 28:05 Tools on How to Create Boundaries Tactics to understand how you give and/or receive to get a better understanding of how you take up space when coming into contact with others. 32:28 How to Shift Energy and Emotions Ways to clear energy and emotions that rise up and cause an intense reaction, to forgive, learn to let go, and come back to neutral. 37:18 Surrendering Control and Receiving the Moment Excerpt from The Dark Night by Thomas Moore that discusses the importance of receiving things for what they are and surrendering to the moment. * Join the community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PracticeWithClaraCommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/healing-through-boundaries Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/healing-through-boundaries-learning-how-to-give-receive/

Welcome to the #PracticewithClara podcast where Clara and Stephanie unpack philosophy and all things related to yoga. This week’s theme was Earth, where we talked about the benefits of committing yourself to something, healing through your history, and the exist being as important as the entrance with the yoga poses. Here's more on what we talked about in this episode:  0:47  - A 30-Opportunities Yoga Challenge Features and benefits of the 30-Opportunities Yoga Challenge with the #PracticeWithClara Team. 5:10 - Benefits of Committing Yourself to Something Definition of Sadhana and the importance of creating a daily practice and committing yourself to something. 6:53 - Balancing Summer Fire with Earth Balancing the fire and heat of summer with the Earth element. 7:33 - How to Enter and Exit Yoga Poses Safely Clara deconstructs how to come out of Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana), Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana), and Headstand (Sirsasana) to protect the neck. 12:20 - The Exit Being as Important as the Entrance Why we slow down and try to become more aware of how we move through the yoga postures as well as events in our day-to-day. 18:00 - Grounding to Endure Difficult Experiences Clara talks about her process and ability to endure while she was in labor with Karmen. 22:55 - Healing Through Your History The Importance of identifying your roots, our ancestors, and all those who sought the practice and asked the bigger questions before us. 29:14 - What We Choose to Preserve and Pass On Clara talks about the qualities and gifts her parents instilled n her as a child, and what’s important to her to pass on to Karmen. 36:33 - Accepting the Shadow Side of Ourselves Rob Brezsny’s, The Shadow School, delves into the darker side of ourselves to learn more about what it means to be human and accept who we are. * Join the community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PracticeWithClaraCommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/grounding-your-practice Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/grounding-ritual-and-routine-in-the-yoga-practice/

Welcome to the #PracticewithClara podcast where Clara and Stephanie unpack philosophy and all things related to yoga. This week’s theme was community, where we talked about our teachers, sources of inspiration, and how to stay connected as a global community at this time. **Join the conversation on our facebook group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/community-is-my-dharma Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/community-is-my-dharma-why-we-need-teachers-and-community/

Welcome to the #PracticewithClara podcast where Clara and Stephanie unpack philosophy and all things related to yoga.  This week’s theme is creativity where we discussed the importance of collaboration and tools to build your creative process. Join the community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PracticeWithClaraCommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/the-spark-for-creativity Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-creative-spark-tools-to-build-your-creative-process/

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie share their unique perspectives on philosophy, yoga, and how to run a business as a yoga instructor. Today’s discussion focused on the power of routine with japa mala, the effect of mudra, and the significance of 108. Here's more on what we discussed in this episode: 2:05 - Japa Mala How-To The traditional way to take japa mala. 5:50 - Prayer vs. Bling Beads The significance of having separate prayer beads for japa mala and mala you wear. 8:50 - How to Count Cycles of Mantra Demonstration of the two ways to count cycles of mantra keeping track of the number using your hands. 10:58 - The Significance of 108 Why the number 108 has such spiritual and numerical significance. 13:21 - The Power of Repetition How chanting or repetitive movement for a period of time creates the space to transform you. 17:22 - How Mudra Affects the Energy Body Using mudras to create a particular mood in the body and instigate change. 21:08 - Offer for Frontline Workers We’d love to offer 3-free months on the #PracticeWithClara site to all frontline workers at this time. *You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store:** https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/the-power-of-routine Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) **Join the conversation on our Facebook group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/the-power-of-routine Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/the-power-of-routine-japa-mala-and-mudra-practice/ #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #mantra #howto

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie share their unique perspectives on philosophy, yoga, and how to run a business as a yoga instructor. Today’s discussion focused on mantra, including the how, when and why to include in class; lineage and authenticity; and the shift in energy through vibration and sound. Here's more on what we talked about in this episode: 2:04 - Mantra for Saraswati Chant for Saraswati, the muse of creation, and goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and speech. 6:42 - Offering Mantra to Students How to offer mantra to students with a few book recommendations to guide your process. 11:48 - Mantra as an Anchor Starting class with mantra to anchor your class and ground for students, and yourself. 15:52 - Unique Ways to Offer Mantra How mantra can be taught through two styles, melody or metronome, to invite others to join. 17:30 - Sanskrit in Yoga classes When and how to bring Sanskrit into yoga classes when teaching, especially when considering new students. 20:05 - Lineage Influence over Mantra What lineages include mantra and how to intentionally include mantra in class. 23:31 - Intention is Everything The recipe to create by placing pure intention into the sound to shift and transform through the quality and expression of the mantra. 28:44 - Benefits of Mantra The vibration we feel in mantra to express our collective energy and remind us of our shared experience. 30:36 - How to Set Positive Affirmations Selecting words in any language you prefer to create positive affirmations to focus the mind. *You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store:** https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/embodying-mantra Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) **Join the conversation on our facebook group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/embodying-mantra Clara's Website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/embracing-mantra-how-and-why-to-bring-into-class/ #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #mantra #howto

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie share their unique perspectives on philosophy, yoga, and how to run a business as a yoga instructor. Today’s discussion focused on Tantric Philosophy and the creative feminine energy of Shakti, modes of expression, yoga alchemy, and reintegration after self-isolating. Here's more on what we discussed in this episode: 2:27 - Tantric Philosophy Creative feminine energy expressed in the universe as Shakti and how to awaken the creative force within. 4:40 - Goddess of Expression Embracing Saraswati, Goddess for creative expression and communication. 7:18 - Yoga Alchemy We are the alchemists of our own experience, understanding the power of inner transformation in shifting how we feel. 10:04 - Modes of Expression Shifting how you feel through exploring different modes of expression through physical activity, art, and verbal communication strategies. 17:58 - Return to the Heart Creating balance within between the masculine and feminine energies to give space to come back to the heart where we’re able to acknowledge and express ourselves. 27:16 - Questions for Expression What will you take with you, as you reintegrate post-social-distancing, and what is asking to be expressed right now? *You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store:** https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/yoga-alchemy Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) **Join the conversation on our facebook group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/yoga-alchemy Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/yoga-alchemy-tantric-philosophy-embracing-shakti-and-self-expression/ #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #yogaalchemy #howto

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie share their unique perspectives on philosophy, yoga, and how to run a business as a yoga instructor. Today’s discussion focused on Vishudha- the throat chakra- and its relationship to expressing vulnerability, Vinyasa Yoga, and the value of yoga events, workshops, and advanced training for students. Here's more about this episode: 1:37 - Meditation for the throat chakra Meditation and breath to stimulate, Vishuddha, the throat chakra, with Brahmeri Breath. 5:03 - Vulnerability and the throat chakra How to connect to your voice and express your inner vulnerability. 6:49 - Pranayama for spring allergies Khapalabhati breathing to ignite the inner fires and clear any stagnation or spring allergies. 9:54 - Why Vinyasa Yoga? How Clara came to Vinyasa Yoga, where she studied and who she practiced with, as she established her seat as a teacher. 14:15 - Cultivating a home practice How to cultivate a home practice of yoga that may lead you off your mat. 15:50 - Empowering students to take the practice home Why the goal of yoga teachers is to work themselves out of a job. 18:59 - Benefits of a YTT if you don’t have a desire to teach The benefits of taking yoga teacher training for yogis who may not wish to teach and the opportunities that may present themselves as a result. 24:07 - Yoga off the mat What our practice looks like currently with social distancing, on and off the yoga mat. *You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store:** https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/why-vinyasa Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) **Join the conversation on our facebook group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity Watch the full episode: https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/why-vinyasa Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/vinyasa-yoga-vulnerability-the-value-in-advanced-training/ #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #ytt #yogateachertraining #howto

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie share their unique perspectives on philosophy, yoga, and how to run a business as a yoga instructor. Today’s discussion focused on YogaTeacher Training programs, Clara’s key learnings and takeaways, the influence of Yoga Alliance, how to foster intimacy with students, creating sacred space as a facilitator, and the effect of COVID in shifting training to online platforms. Here's more on what we discussed in this episode: 4:17 - Why to Lead Smaller Groups The benefit of leading smaller groups in YTT to create intimacy and build relationships. 7:22 - What’s Involved in Clara’s 300-hour YTT Clara shares the history of her 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, from inception to present. 8:12 - How Clara Frames Her 200 and 300 Teaching Programs Clara breaks-down the difference between the 200-hour and 300-hour YTT programs. 11:00 - What is Yoga Alliance? Introducing Yoga Alliance, the governing body of yoga, and the costs and benefits. 14:40 - Questions to Consider Before Leading a Training What to sit with as a teacher, if you’re contemplating hosting a yoga workshop and/or training. 16:20 - The Importance of Continued Learning The benefit to teachers who continue to take workshops and yoga training. 18:02 - Clara’s Takeaways Leading YTT Two of Clara’s key learnings hosting her 200 and 300-hour YTT programs over the years. 22:16 - Co-Creating Sacred Space How to hold space for students and be a bomb facilitator at your training. 26:27 - Online Learning How yoga schools and teachers are pushing online learning with COVID. **You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store:** https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/yoga-teacher-training-101 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) **join the conversation on our Facebook group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/yoga-teacher-training-101-claras-key-takeaways-from-hosting-retreats/ #philosophy #yogatalk #yogapodcast #ytt #yogateachertraining #howto

Welcome to the #PracticeWithClara Podcast where Clara and Stephanie share their unique perspectives on philosophy, yoga, and how to run a business as a yoga instructor. Today’s discussion focused on motherhood, Clara’s process in asking for help and exploring vulnerability as a new mother, how to honour your inner truth, Durga’s origin story in providing one with courage, and how to access the unstuck heart, Anahata chakra. Here's more on what we discussed in this episode:  4:04 - Durga’s Presence in Clara’s Truth How Clara harnesses the power of Durga in honouring her process and inner truth. 6:19 - Asking for Help and Expressing Vulnerability How to ask for help from your community and surrender to what simply is at that moment. 11:15 - Connecting to Your Inner Warrior How Clara is channeling Durga at this time to honour her transition into motherhood. 13:37 - The Unstruck Heart Anahata, the heart chakra, and what the unstruck means in relationship to accessing our inner vulnerability. 14:42 - Durga’s Birth Story Clara shares Durga’s origin story and how the powerful female Goddess is a representation of surrender and courage. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you like to listen :) **join the conversation on our Facebook group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicewithclaracommunity **You can watch the full version on the #PracticeWithClara App (TV, Mobile, Tablet) Download on your favourite App Store:** https://practice.clararobertsoss.com/programs/the-couragious-heart #philosophy #yogatalk #Anahatachakra #motherhood Clara's website: https://www.clararobertsoss.com/podcast/create-balance-in-the-subtle-body-ayurvedic-medicine-and-yoga/